Protective foot, leg, and clothing guard

ABSTRACT

The protective foot, leg, and clothing guard of the present disclosure can most generally be categorized as a protective device configured for wearing on the feet and lower legs of the wearer below the knees by encircling the leg and ankle area during wearing. The device is generally comprised of a fabric material with openings to allow the device to be pulled on by a user over their footwear and clothing to protect these areas. Accordingly, the device includes portions that can be generally referred to as an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion generally representing the portion of the device that surrounds the shin and calf area while it is worn and the lower portion encircling the footwear of the wearer of the device, wherein this lower portion anchors the device to the footwear and alternately provides traction to a surface during use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Patent Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/149,755 filed Feb. 16, 2021, the disclosure of which is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a protective device configured to be pulled on and over the foot and ankle and any clothing and footwear of a wearer to protect the feet, legs, ankle, footwear, and clothing during various tasks, such as lawn mowing and grass trimming, that may require protection from flying debris or dirt. In one aspect, the device of the present disclosure provides a protective device for universal fitment that includes a traction component in combination with the protective features.

BACKGROUND

Particularly, in the lawn care industry, it is known that certain tasks, such as, but not limited to, grass clipping, cutting, trimming, and edging tend to direct cut materials in the direction of the operator of the various implements used to complete these tasks. Often these cut materials become projectiles that can be quite dangerous and harmful to the operator, such as rocks, stones, and sticks, wherein these materials can mar, harm, injure, or soil the clothing of the operator.

Within the prior art, there exist some attempts to provide a protective assembly for providing protection, but these do suffer some from some deficiencies. U.S. Pat. No. 5,987,778 discloses a protective footwear and lower leg covering utilizing a molded plastic or rubber shoe or boot cover sewn to a fabric upper and having an open sole, wherein the device is universally affixed through a lower strap member and a plurality of fastening straps. The '778 device requires the straps for proper fastening and the molding of the toe portion generally makes the device bulky and if not properly secured presents a trip hazard.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,970,525 discloses a leg guard apparatus generally utilized as a protective cover for the lower extremities. The '525 device is generally C-shaped and extending from an area adjacent to the knee to the foot. The '525 device is secured to the user through a plurality of hook and loop style fasteners affixed around the shoe soles and legs of the user and includes an open sole portion. Similar to the '778 device, the '525 device requires the straps for proper fastening and the molding of the toe portion generally makes the device bulky and if not properly secured presents a trip hazard.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,173,448 discloses a leg protector comprised of a tough and flexible material, such as leather, that substantially encircles the wearer's leg. The '448 device is generally open to the back portion and does not include a foot protective portion. The '448 device is secured through a plurality of fastening straps. The '448 device does not provide protection for the feet or upper sole portion of footwear and does not include a fastening element to secure the device to the footwear of the user.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,994,137 discloses a foot protection device that is secured to the toe portion or front of a shoe to protect the foot and shoe from damage during operation of a lawn mower. The '137 device does not provide any protection to the legs of the wearer and only protects a small portion of the foot.

U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2011/0191930 entitled Gator Legs discloses a protective leg covering having a cylindrical shape comprised of a mesh body. The device of the '930 patent application is secured with a pair of strap members and includes no foot protective element. The '930 application is generally a fixed shape and generally rigid, wherein the device does not allow for sufficient adjustment and movement during use.

U.S. Pat. Appl. Publ. No. 2007/0189594 entitled Protective Leg Covering generally discloses a sheet member that includes a plurality of fasteners for securing the device to an article of clothing and around the leg of a wearer. This '594 device does not include any protection for the feet or footwear of the wearer and provides no ability for adjustment after securing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, this disclosure is related to a protective device to protect and shield the legs and feet of a wearer during use.

In another aspect, this disclosure is related to protective device configured to be pulled on by a wearer for protecting their feet, ankles, legs, footwear and clothing from dirt and debris.

In yet another aspect, this disclosure is related to a protective device comprised of a lower portion for protecting an upper portion of footwear and providing traction to an underside or bottom sole of footwear during use and an upper portion coupled to the lower portion for generally protecting the legs and shin area of a wearer.

The protective foot, leg, and clothing guard of the present disclosure can most generally be categorized as a clothing accessory generally configured for wearing on the feet and lower legs of the wearer below the knees by encircling the leg and ankle area during wearing. The device is generally comprised of a fabric material provided in a singular and cohesive assembly with openings to allow the device to be pulled on by a user over their footwear and clothing to protect these areas. Accordingly, the device includes portions that can be generally referred to as an upper portion and lower portion. The upper portion generally representing the portion of the device that surrounds the shin and calf area while it is worn and the lower portion generally encircling the footwear of the wearer of the device, wherein this lower portion anchors the device to the footwear and alternately provides traction to a surface during use.

The protective device of the present disclosure may better be described with reference to the openings as these openings generally secure the device into place and allow for the pull-on feature during placement of the device. The openings may generally be described in reference to the portions of the anatomy that are received through the openings, wherein the device has a first opening referred to herein as a leg opening, a second opening referred to herein as a toe opening, and a third opening referred to herein as a heel opening. The first opening is generally configured to surround the lower leg, shin, and calf muscle area of the wearer during use, wherein this leg opening is the first opening a wearer will direct their foot through when placing the device. This first opening includes a securing means encircling an upper edge of the device adjacent to the first opening and allowing a user to secure the device at a preferred height along the leg. Preferably this securing means is an elastic shock cord that is secured with a cord locking device for easy adjustment. Accordingly, this first opening has an adjustable circumference to allow for use in a variety of positions and on individuals of varying sizes.

The second opening, referred to herein as the toe opening is generally a cut-out of the device to allow for the placement of the toe portion of the footwear of the wearer through the second opening. This configuration allows the device to be secured around the toe of the footwear for protecting the shoe upper. The second opening is generally elasticized for a secure fit and to help engage the device in the proper location. Further, the second opening includes an interior portion configured for contact with the footwear and including a gripping surface comprised of silicone, wherein this gripping surface is configured to grip the footwear and hold the device second opening in the proper and desired position. In the preferred assembly of the device, the elasticized portion of the device is generally aligned with the gripping surface and constructed with the elastic placed within a fold over of the device fabric construction.

The third opening, referred to herein as the heel opening is generally a cut-out of the device to allow for the placement of the heel portion of the footwear of the wearer through the third opening. This configuration allows the device to be secured around the heel of the footwear for protecting the shoe upper and heel cap. The third opening is generally constructed similar to the second opening wherein it is elasticized for a secure fit and to help engage the device in the proper location. Further, the third opening includes an interior portion configured for contact with the footwear and including a gripping surface comprised of silicone, wherein this gripping surface is configured to grip the footwear and hold the device third opening in the proper and desired position. In the preferred assembly of the device, the elasticized portion of the device is generally aligned with the gripping surface and constructed with the elastic placed within a fold over of the device fabric construction.

The lower portion having a traction surface extending between the second opening and the third opening along a substantial portion of an underside of the lower portion, wherein this traction surface is configured to provide increased traction and durability to the device as this traction surface is the only part of the device that is in contact with the ground surface while the device is being worn. In the preferred assembly of the present disclosure, the traction surface has a generally raised surface and is comprised of a waterproof material, such as a material comprising PVC, to provide improved traction and increased grip on surfaces while the device is being worn and used. This traction surface is particularly useful when the device is utilized on sloped surfaces and conditions that may be considered wet or damp.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front side view of device, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device while placed on footwear, according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the device, according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of the device while worn during use, according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which forms a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Before the present invention of this disclosure is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth and may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process act(s) or step(s), to the objective(s), spirit, or scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure made herein.

Unless otherwise indicated, the words and phrases presented in this document have their ordinary meanings to one of skill in the art. Such ordinary meanings can be obtained by reference to their use in the art and by reference to general and scientific dictionaries.

References in the specification to “one embodiment” indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

The following explanations of certain terms are meant to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. These terms have their ordinary meanings given by usage in the art and in addition include the following explanations.

As used herein, the term “and/or” refers to any one of the items, any combination of the items, or all of the items with which this term is associated.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms “include,” “for example,” “such as,” and the like are used illustratively and are not intended to limit the present invention.

As used herein, the terms “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments of the invention that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances.

Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the invention.

As used herein, the terms “front,” “back,” “rear,” “upper,” “lower,” “right,” and “left” in this description are merely used to identify the various elements as they are oriented in the FIGS, with “front,” “back,” and “rear” being relative to the apparatus. These terms are not meant to limit the elements that they describe, as the various elements may be oriented differently in various applications.

As used herein, the term “coupled” means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members, or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. Similarly, coupled can refer to a two member or elements being in communicatively coupled, wherein the two elements may be electronically, through various means, such as a metallic wire, wireless network, optical fiber, or other medium and methods.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the teachings of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 of the protective foot, leg, and clothing guard of the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as the device 10. The device 10 is generally configured to protect the anatomical area below the knees, including the shins, calf, and feet of a wearer of the device 10. The device 10 is configured for wearing by a user to provide protection during various tasks that may result in injury or soiling to the footwear and clothing of the wearer. Accordingly, the device 10 is configured to be pulled on by a wearer for protecting their feet, ankles, legs, footwear and clothing from dirt and debris, wherein it may be easily placed, moved to an alternate position, or removed when used.

The protective device 10 can generally be described as comprising a lower portion 101 for protecting footwear and providing traction through a traction surface 110 to an underside or bottom sole of footwear during use and an upper portion 102 coupled to the lower portion 101 for generally protecting the lower leg and shin area of a wearer.

The protective device 10 of the present disclosure can most generally be categorized as a clothing accessory configured for wearing on the feet and lower legs of the wearer below the knees by encircling the leg and ankle area during wearing. The device 10 is generally comprised of a fabric material along the upper portion 102 to form a singular and cohesive assembly with the upper portion 102 and the lower portion 101 to be pulled on by a user over their footwear and clothing to protect these areas. The upper portion 102 generally representing the portion of the device 10 that surrounds the shin and calf area while it is worn and the lower portion 101 generally encircling the footwear of the wearer of the device, wherein this lower portion 101 anchors the device 10 to the footwear and helps to provide traction to a ground surface during use.

The protective device 10 of the present disclosure may better be described with reference to three openings of the device 10, in the form of a first opening 120, a second opening 111, and a third opening 112, as these openings 120, 111, 112 generally secure the device 10 into place and allow for the pull-on feature during placement of the device 10. The openings 120, 111, 112 may also be described in reference to the portions of the anatomy that are received through the openings 120, 111, 112, wherein the device 10 first opening 120 is referred to herein as the leg opening, the second opening 111 is referred to herein as the toe opening, and the third opening 112 is referred to herein as the heel opening. The first opening 120 is configured to surround the lower leg, shin, and calf muscle area of the wearer during use, wherein this leg opening is the first opening a wearer will direct their foot through when placing the device 10. The first opening 120 includes a securing means 121 encircling an upper edge 122 of the device adjacent to the first opening 120 and allowing a user to secure the device 10 at a preferred height along the leg by adjusting the tension of the securing means 121. Preferably the securing means 121 is an elastic shock cord that is secured with a cord locking device 123 for easy adjustment to the tension of the device 10 upper portion 102 to generally secure the device 10 in place. Accordingly, the first opening 120 has an adjustable circumference to allow for use of the device 10 in a variety of positions and on individuals of varying sizes. In the preferred assembly, the first opening 120 construction generally utilizes a cavity along the upper edge 122, wherein the securing means 121 is disposed within this cavity to protect it during use and enable the device 10 to generally be scrunched or bunched up when the securing means 121 is tightened.

The second opening 111, referred to herein as the toe opening is generally a cut-out of the device 10 to allow for the placement of the toe portion of the footwear of the wearer through the second opening 111. This configuration allows the device 10 to be secured around the toe of the footwear for protecting the shoe upper. The second opening 111 is movable through the use of a resilient and elasticized portion 1111 for a secure fit and to help engage the device 10 in the proper location on the foot of the wearer. Further, the second opening 111 includes an interior portion configured for contact with the footwear and including a gripping surface 1112 comprised of preferably of a silicone-based material, wherein this gripping surface 1112 is configured to grip the footwear and hold the device 10 second opening 111 in the proper and desired position. In the preferred assembly of the device 10, the elasticized portion 1111 of the device is generally aligned with the gripping surface 1112 and constructed with the elastic material of the elasticized portion 1111 placed within a fold over of the device 10 fabric construction.

The third opening 112, referred to herein as the heel opening is generally a cut-out of the device 10 to allow for the placement of the heel portion of the footwear of the wearer through the third opening 112. This configuration allows the device 10 to be secured around the heel of the footwear for protecting the shoe upper and heel cap. The third opening 112 is generally constructed similar to the second opening 111 wherein it includes an elasticized portion 1121 for a secure fit and to help engage the device 10 in the proper location. Further, the third opening 112 includes an interior portion configured for contact with the footwear and including a gripping surface 1122 preferably comprised of silicone, wherein this gripping surface 1122 is configured to grip the footwear and hold the device 10 third opening 112 in the proper and desired position. In the preferred assembly of the device 10, the elasticized portion 1121 of the device 10 is generally aligned with the gripping surface 1122 and constructed with the elastic placed within a fold over of the device 10 fabric construction.

The lower portion 101 having the traction surface 110 extending between the second opening 111 and the third opening 112 along a substantial portion of an underside of the lower portion 101, wherein this traction surface 110 is configured to provide increased traction and durability to the device 10 as this traction surface 110 is the only part of the device 10 that is in contact with the ground surface while the device 10 is being worn. In the preferred assembly of the present disclosure, the traction surface 110 has a generally raised surface and is comprised of a waterproof material, such as a material comprising PVC, to provide improved traction and increased grip on surfaces while the device 10 is being worn and used. This traction surface 110 is particularly useful when the device 10 is utilized on sloped surfaces and conditions that may be considered wet or damp.

In the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, the device 10 is generally constructed from the sewing of the various fabric materials into a cohesive assembly. Accordingly, with this assembly method, the device 10 is primarily constructed from the sewing of two distinct panels of materials, with the shape of the materials and their adjoining forming the three openings of the device 10, in the form of the first opening 120, the second opening 111, and the third opening 112. This assembly method utilizes a first material for the majority of the device upper portion 102 and lower portion 101 and a portion of the second opening 111 and third opening 112 and a second material for the traction surface 110 that is mated to the first material to form the ground contacting portion and a portion of the second opening 111 and the third opening 112 with the openings edges and seams finished with the desired elasticized and adjustable portions. Preferably the upper portion 102 and portion of the lower portion 101 is comprised of the first material that is durable, protective, capable of flexibility and comprises a fabric blend of 80% nylon and 20% spandex. Preferably, the traction surface 110 is comprised of the second material utilizing a stretch expanded waterproof PVC material.

The device 10 can generally be provided in a multitude of material types and dimensions without departing from the spirit and concept of the invention. However, to allow for a universal fit, some dimensions have been preselected and determined to allow for this universal use. Although the device is generally present as a three-dimensional object when assembled, it is easiest to describe these dimensions while viewing the device in a flattened and two-dimensional shape. Accordingly, the device 10 first opening 120 providing the opening that is configured to accommodate the footwear and leg of the wearer is provided in a flattened dimensional length of 5¾ inches representing approximately the diameter of the first opening 120 when viewed as circular opening upon finish assembly. The second opening 111 referred to as the toe opening has flattened width of the 5¾ inches and a height of 1⅜ inches. The third opening 112 referred to as the heel opening has a flattened width of 3⅛ inches and a height of 2½ inches reflecting an opening generally configured to receive a heel of footwear in a secure positioning. The overall length of the device 10 can be described as having a first length along the front side of the device 10 generally extend along the shin of the wearer and culminating in a position adjacent the toes with the overall length being 18⅜ inches. A second length of the device 10 can generally be described as extending from the rear calf to a position adjacent the heel with this length being 12 inches.

The device 10 can additionally be described in reference to how it is placed for wearing and worn. Accordingly, the wearer of the device 10 would generally loosen the securing means 121 to generally extend the circumference of the first opening 120 to the maximum size. The wearer will then pull the device 10 over their shoe while the device 10 is placed in the proper directional orientation with the toe of the shoe being directed through the second opening 111 and the heel of the shoe being directed through the third opening 112. The device 10 is generally pulled snug and upward with the elasticized portions 1111, 1121 and gripping surfaces 1112, 1122 helping to secure device to the footwear at these openings. The wearer will then determine the height of the upper portion 102 by pulling it to the desired position and securing it in place along their leg by securing the securing means 121 and cord locking device 123. To remove the device 10, this process is reversed.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A protective device adapted for pull-on wearing by a wearer, the protective device designed to function as a protective layer for the foot, ankle, and lower leg of the wearer, the protective device comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion adapted to extend around the lower leg below a knee of the wearer, the upper portion having a first opening with a securing means to provide an adjustable tension adapted to be movably secured by the wearer to secure an upper edge of the upper portion first opening in a desired position; a lower portion, the lower portion coupled to the upper portion and adapted for placement over the foot of the wearer, the lower portion including a second opening for receiving a toe portion of the foot of the wearer and a third opening for receiving a heel of the foot of the wearer, the second opening and the third opening elasticized to secure the device; and a traction surface, the traction surface positioned on an underside of the lower portion and configured to provide increased traction while wearing by a wearer.
 2. The protective device as in claim 1, wherein the securing means is an elastic cord.
 3. The protective device as in claim 1, wherein the second opening and the third opening have a gripping surface.
 4. The protective device as in claim 1, wherein the device is comprised of a fabric.
 5. The protective as in claim 2, wherein the securing means includes a cord locking device.
 6. The protective device as in claim 3, wherein the gripping surface is a silicone based material.
 7. The protective device as in claim 1, wherein the traction surface includes a raised surface and is comprised of a waterproof material.
 8. A wearable protective device configured to be pulled on by a wearer for protecting their feet, ankles, legs, footwear and clothing from dirt and debris, the wearable protective device comprising: an upper portion, the upper portion adapted to extend around the lower leg below a knee of the wearer, the upper portion comprising: a first opening defined by an upper edge extending a circumference of the first opening; and a securing means to provide an adjustable tension to the upper edge of the first opening, wherein the securing means is adapted to be movably secured by the wearer to secure the first opening at a desired position by adjusting the circumference; a lower portion, the lower portion coupled to the upper portion and adapted for placement over a foot of the wearer, the lower portion including a second opening for receiving a toe portion of the foot of the wearer and a third opening for receiving a heel of the foot of the wearer, the second opening and the third opening elasticized to secure the device; and a traction surface, the traction surface positioned on an underside of the lower portion and configured to provide increased traction while wearing by a wearer.
 9. The protective device as in claim 8, wherein the securing means is an elastic cord.
 10. The protective device as in claim 8, wherein the second opening and the third opening have a gripping surface configured on an interior surface for contacting a shoe of the wearer.
 11. The protective device as in claim 8, wherein the device is comprised of a fabric.
 12. The protective as in claim 9, wherein the securing means includes a cord locking device.
 13. The protective device as in claim 10, wherein the gripping surface is a silicone based material.
 14. The protective device as in claim 8, wherein the traction surface includes a raised surface and is comprised of a waterproof material. 